Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez ~ AOC

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 through October 15, The Cardinal will feature prominent and historical Hispanic Americans, living or dead, who have worked toward change, advancement, and/or world peace. Some of them are heroes, and some are unsung heroes who deserve recognition, and have made a contribution to society.

Natalia Sandoval, Staff Writer

September 15, 2025

Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, 35, born and raised in Parkchester, New York, and is also known as AOC. She is an American politician, activist, and member of the Democratic party. Alexandra is currently serving as US representative for New York’s 14th congressional district.

Alexandra was born into a Puerto Rican family, to Sergio Ocaso-Roman and Blanca Ocasio-Cortez. In search of better educational opportunities, her father moved his family 30 minutes north to Yorktown. Her parents were set to find a strong public school. The educational opportunities given to Alexandra sparked an impression on her.

After high school, Alexandra attended Boston University and graduated with a double-major degree in economics and international relations. During this period of time, she was given an intern opportunity in the office of Senator Ted Kennedy. During the 2016 presidential election, she worked with Bernie Sanders. This sparked her motivation and eventually pushed her into launching her first campaign in 2017. She was the first person since 2004 to challenge Joe Crowley, the Democratic Caucus Chair, in the primary. A debate in the Bronx was scheduled for June 18, but Crowley did not participate.

In the primary election, Ocasio-Cortez received 57.13% of the vote (15,897) to Crowley’s 42.5% (11,761), defeating the 10-term incumbent by almost 15 percentage points on June 26, 2018. This shocked many political groups who underestimated Ocasio-Cortez. Taking office at age 29, Ocasio-Cortez is the youngest woman ever to serve in the United States Congress, and also the youngest member of the 116th Congress.

During her terms in congress she has introduced bills that benefit immigrants and low income citizens, introduced Green New Deal resolution, Given back to those hurt by natural disasters, funded for community projects, the list goes on.

Ocasio-Cortez is not only the first youngest Latina ever elected to congress, but she inspires young women to become involved, especially those who may feel underestimated or whose voices need to be heard. Ocasio-Cortez continues to fight for Medicare for all, the economy, housing as a human right, honor in immigration, elevate public education, and increased women’s rights.

Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez declares “Change takes courage.”

About the Contributor

Natalia Sandoval, Staff Writer

Natalia Sandoval is a 17 year-old, outgoing student, who enjoys helping out her peers. She is passionate in pursuing a career in diagnostic medical sonography, specifically in ultrasound due to her love for human anatomy. Natalia deeply looks up to her parents, who shaped her into the person she is today. Whether it comes down to being an astonishing and hard-working student, she applauds her parents for planting the seed and guiding her growth. Aside from being a great student, Natalia is also an interesting person to get to know. She despises seafood, and most Mexican dishes even though others may think otherwise. Other than that, Natalia is proud of her culture. She is currently involved in FACES and Upward Bound, both being academic programs that help her fulfill her career goals. Natalia hopes to change the world by giving back to underserved communities. Whether that is giving back to those less fortunate, creating scholarships for students who will achieve higher education with, or donating money to organizations. She attends monthly clean ups around City Heights with her program coordinators and peers. She views it as an opportunity to serve her community. Natalia believes that, as a society, we should donate and give back to non-profit organizations that bless undeserving communities. She hopes to become an inspiring leader in her neighborhood, known for her acts of kindness.